[StBernard] Debris removal/Demolitions

[Westley Annis]

A general update about the debris removal and other related issues:
 
debris pick up has slowed because of the number of crews on the street.  The slowed response is because of the number of piles that are being picked up and the crews having moved on as a result of less volume, therefore it not being as profitable for as many crews to stay on the street.  This is influenced as well by FEMA enforcing tighter restrictions on the pick up of new construction debris.
 
The pick up time for storm related debris (not debris from repairs) is running about two weeks, sometimes a bit longer and sometimes a bit shorter.  The difference is that it should be called in so that it can be tracked as their are no longer crews monitoring specific areas and are now canvassing larger areas which may cause some piles to be missed.
 
The new construction debris is being picked up this week in one or two passes but once this week's new construction debris is picked up residents will have to control new construction debris either through their contractor, a dumpster, or hauling it to a dump site on their own.  The dump sites are on Paris Rd. and on Judge Perez across from St. Bernard High School baseball stadium.  The responsibility for new construction debris has always been on the property owner but was confused by the relaxed enforcement over the last nearly two years.
 
The demolition issue continues to be one of frustration as many of the condemned houses in the "oil spill" area have not been released by FEMA.  Additionally, homes that are not repaired but are eventually going to be demoed are in limbo as residents wait for the Road Home program.  Unfortunately, FEMA is stating that thier financial assistance for demo will end August 29 which means that it is imperative that houses that will be set for demolition can be done without waiting for the Road Home pace-  the dilemna is that as the time frame for FEMA assistance passes the parish will be forced to handle these properties.  We are attempting to get a firm answer from the Road Home Corporation about any additional financial assistance for the properties that will be acquired at the local level for upkeep or clearing.

The canal cleaning projects have been ongoing and recently the agency designated to do the cleanup of the canals has been intermittently done and recently let another contract which is supposed to be underway- Bob Turner says that it is getting better but the canals still have a good bit of debris in them which causes a problem at the pump stations with the debris obstructing the grating at the pump station which reduces its effectiveness.  As more debris is removed, Lake Borgne can then get their equipment to the canal banks without the concern of damaging it.

Hope this update information helps.

God Bless,
Craig